Aleman is new Calhoun sheriff

PORT LAVACA - The final numbers are in and George Aleman is the new sheriff in in Calhoun County.

"Well, I've been in law enforcement since I was 22 years old, and people have been asking me to run for the last few years. I've been doing this for 37 years, and this is the way I'll go out, doing this job," Aleman said.

He ran beat Republican Troy Baxter.

After more than 15 years with B.B. Browning at the helm, Aleman will take office as sheriff on Jan. 1. Browning is retiring.

Aleman, a Democrat, decided to run after learning that Browning had decided to retire.

Aleman said he was excited to be taking office and grateful to the voters for having confidence in him, he said.

"We're ready. I've got some big boots to fill. Sheriff Browning did a great job for the county, but I'm looking forward to making my own changes and bringing the county up a notch or two in my own way," Aleman said.